“When I joined the orchestra, it was like a dream come true. It was like everything had been solved.”
Orchestras for All (OFA) has released a heartwarming new video in a bid to improve access to group music-making for young people in the UK.
Shared via YouTube, the four-minute clip (watch above) tells the inspiring stories of nine National Orchestra for All (NOFA) musicians who had previously struggled to access musical opportunities owing to the significant daily challenges in their lives – including economic deprivation, physical and mental health conditions, emotional, social and behavioural difficulties, being in care and acting as a young carer.
NOFA alumnus and trumpet player, Caleb, said: “Before joining the orchestra, I was timid. I lacked in confidence and self-esteem.”
Young violinist, Grace, commented: “Because I've got autism and other special needs, a lot of things I had auditioned for didn't let me in.”
Current NOFA member, Cameron, added: “Before I joined the orchestra, I was struggling and home-schooled. No schools would really take me in – I had no music clubs to go to.”
“Before joining the orchestra, I was timid. I lacked in confidence and self-esteem,” said NOFA alumnus, Caleb.
And they are not alone, with thousands of other young people across the country currently unable to access ensemble music-making owing to the effect of the coronavirus pandemic and ongoing cuts to music funding in maintained schools.
Upon joining NOFA – one of OFA’s three powerful programmes and the only completely inclusive national youth orchestra in the country – Caleb, Grace and Cameron were able to leave their worries at the door and experience the many benefits that come with playing in an 100-strong ensemble, from forging lifelong friendships to improved social and communication skills.
Caleb said: “After joining the orchestra, I felt liberated. I feel full of confidence; I feel powerful.”
Grace added: “I realised that it’s okay to struggle because everyone has their own struggles and people will be very supportive of that.”
NOFA members enjoy a moment of music and togetherness online during the coronavirus pandemic
Read more: RPS Awards 2021 – Orchestras for All shortlisted in Impact category >
And for Cameron, having access to new musical opportunities meant everything. He said: “When I joined, it was like a dream come true. It was like everything had been solved; I could be a bit happier and my mum could be happier as well.”
The touching video forms part of OFA’s winter campaign, Music Changes Lives, which aims to spread awareness of common barriers to orchestral participation and encourage donations to the charity – each to be doubled on Giving Tuesday (30 November) and throughout the month of December, thanks to generous match funding from Harriet’s Trust.
This means a £10, £20 or £50 donation would see a total of £20, £40 or £100 go directly towards supporting young musicians most in need, helping OFA reach its fundraising target of £20,000.
National Orchestra for All (NOFA) musicians, Tashan (left) and Caleb (right), share their inspiring stories
The campaign comes as OFA reaches its 10-year milestone of life-changing work: in NOFA’s current cohort of 100 diverse young members, 98 per cent faced cultural barriers before joining, 55 per cent were unable to play in an orchestra due to autism, a physical disability, learning difference, or social, emotional or behavioural difficulties, and 37 per cent come from underrepresented groups in the professional orchestral sector.
While there is still much to be done across the arts sector, with hundreds of school pupils teaming up for OFA’s Modulo Programme each year and a growing network of Music Leadership Training participants, there are plenty of reasons to feel hopeful.
“You put all your energy into playing and it feels like you’re part of a big family,” says NOFA alumnus, Siana
If Music Changes Lives has tugged a heartstring and you would like to help our charity amplify its mission, inspire positive change and provide regular support to aspiring young musicians across the country, you can support us in the following three ways:
1. Please donate what you can
Every donation made – no matter how big or small – will bring us one step closer towards making music education accessible to all. Please also consider becoming one of our regular donors, funding our three powerful programmes through monthly donations.
2. Share our video with your network
Click the button below to access the link for our Music Changes Lives video and share it far and wide with friends, family and colleagues to spread the word about our life-changing work.
3. Subscribe to our newsletter
Join the conversation and stay in the loop with all the latest news from our charity, updates from across the sector and inspiring stories from our young people.
